PIC18F258-E/SO - 8-bit 40MHz 32KB Flash MCU w/ CAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F258-E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.75 | $87.50 |
| 100 | $7.9 | $790.00 |
| 500 | $7.1 | $3,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.4 | $6,400.00 |
PIC18F258-E/SO Overview
A PIC18F-series microcontroller is an 8-bit Harvard-architecture MCU based on the Microchip PIC instruction set, designed as a programmable system-on-chip that integrates CPU core, Flash, RAM, EEPROM, peripherals, and I/O in one package. PIC18F MCUs occupy the "high-performance 8-bit" tier in Microchip's taxonomy: 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC18 family -> PIC18F2x/4x sub-family -> embedded MCU. They typically follow the higher-level path MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. PIC18F devices extend the base PIC16 instruction set with linear memory, priority interrupts, a hardware multiplier, and C-friendly architecture, while preserving pin compatibility with older PIC16 designs where feasible.
Key features of the PIC18F258 include the integrated ECAN (Enhanced CAN) module supporting CAN 2.0B active with eight acceptance filters, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels, three timers, two capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, an enhanced USART, an MSSP module (SPI/I2C), and a parallel slave port. The 28-SOIC package exposes up to 23 digital I/O pins and operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply.
The device is built on an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 16-bit wide instruction path and an 8-bit data path. The C compiler-optimized instruction set and hardware multiply/divide engine deliver deterministic interrupt latency and 10 MIPS throughput, while Flash self-programmability under software control supports in-application firmware upgrades.
Typical applications include automotive CAN nodes (body controllers, instrument clusters), industrial CAN-based sensor networks, embedded CAN bridges, and any cost-sensitive node requiring on-chip CAN without an external controller. Other common uses are HVAC controls, low-cost telemetry, and lighting controls.
When designing with the PIC18F258-E/SO, ensure the oscillator configuration (HS/HSPLL/EC/RC) is selected correctly for the chosen external crystal and verify the CAN bus termination (typically 120 Ω at each end of the bus) plus proper transceiver selection (e.g., MCP2551 or TJA1050) for robust in-vehicle or industrial signaling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 28-SOIC alternatives from Microchip's PIC18F family, and practical design notes that the manufacturer datasheet alone does not provide.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F258-E/SO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC18F258-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F258-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F248-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2480-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F252-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2420-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2585-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F258-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18F 8-bit Harvard |
| Instruction Set Width | 16-bit (8-bit data path) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| MIPS (Peak) | 10 MIPS |
| Program Memory Type | Enhanced Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| CAN Module | ECAN (CAN 2.0B active) |
| Timers | 3 |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), Parallel Slave Port |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F258-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input or programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX / EUSART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX / EUSART data |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 20 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 (alternate) |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / LVP programming |
| Pin 25 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC18F258-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive CAN Node, Industrial CAN-Based Sensor Network, Embedded CAN Bridge / Gateway, HVAC Control Module, Lighting Control via CAN, Low-Cost CAN Telemetry Node.
Automotive CAN Node
The PIC18F258-E/SO's on-chip ECAN module supporting CAN 2.0B active plus its extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range make it a natural fit for automotive CAN nodes such as body controllers, door modules, instrument clusters, and HVAC controllers. Pairing it with an MCP2551 high-speed CAN transceiver yields a complete bus interface. The device delivers 10 MIPS throughput at 40 MHz, more than enough to handle 1 Mbps CAN traffic plus periodic ADC polling of up to 8 analog channels for thermistor or position sensing. Unlike software-bit-banged CAN, the ECAN hardware delivers deterministic bus arbitration and frees the CPU for application logic. Note that the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for OEM-grade automotive, migrate to a Q1 derivative.
Recommended
Industrial CAN-Based Sensor Network
Industrial CAN networks used in factory automation, machine control, and process instrumentation benefit from the PIC18F258-E/SO's integrated ECAN, 32 KB Flash, 1536 B RAM, and 23 digital I/O pins in a compact 28-SOIC footprint. The 10 MIPS CPU easily runs CANopen or DeviceNet slave stacks plus local sensor sampling. The 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels handles analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, flow) directly, while the EUSART supports RS-485 side-channels for legacy equipment. Power consumption is typically <100 mW active at 5 V and 40 MHz, manageable on a 24 V industrial bus with a small switching regulator upstream. Per Microchip's PIC18F2x/4x datasheet (DS39598), the ECAN module's eight acceptance filters cleanly isolate node-specific traffic on a busy bus.
Recommended
Embedded CAN Bridge / Gateway
Bridge applications that translate between CAN and other protocols (UART, SPI, USB) leverage the PIC18F258-E/SO's combination of ECAN plus EUSART plus MSSP (SPI/I2C). A typical gateway uses ECAN to receive CAN frames at 500 kbps, parses them in firmware, and retransmits converted data over UART to a host controller. The 32 KB Flash comfortably fits protocol stacks plus custom routing logic, while 1536 B RAM is sufficient for CAN mailbox buffers and translation tables. At 10 MIPS, the CPU handles background CAN traffic with predictable interrupt latency, ensuring no frames are lost under heavy load.
Recommended
HVAC Control Module
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control modules often use CAN for inter-module communication in modern building automation. The PIC18F258-E/SO suits this role by combining ECAN with a 10-bit ADC that reads multiple analog temperature sensors and potentiometer setpoints, plus PWM-capable CCP modules that drive fan motor control signals. The 28-SOIC footprint fits inside standard HVAC control board assemblies, and the extended -40 C to +125 C range handles plenum-temperature environments. Low-power sleep modes from the PIC18F family datasheet (DS39598) reduce standby current to microamp levels during idle periods.
Recommended
Lighting Control via CAN
Architectural and stage-lighting systems increasingly use CAN-based DMX-style buses for dimmer control. The PIC18F258-E/SO's 32 KB Flash hosts custom dimming curves and fade sequences, while the ECAN module receives lighting control frames from a central console. Two CCP modules provide hardware PWM outputs to drive constant-current LED drivers (such as the TLC5940) directly from the MCU, and the 10-bit ADC monitors feedback for closed-loop intensity control. The 28-SOIC package mounts compactly on per-channel dimmer PCBs.
Recommended
Low-Cost CAN Telemetry Node
Cost-sensitive telemetry nodes that periodically broadcast sensor readings over a CAN bus benefit from the PIC18F258-E/SO's small 28-SOIC footprint, integrated ECAN, and adequate 1536 B RAM. Battery-powered nodes use the PIC18F family's nanoWatt-style sleep modes to extend operating life; wake-on-CAN activity is supported by the ECAN module's filter logic. The 10 MIPS CPU wakes within microseconds to transmit a packet and return to sleep. The 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels covers typical battery-voltage, temperature, and level-sensor inputs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F258-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F258-I/SO | PIC18F248-E/SO | PIC18F2480-E/SO | PIC18F252-E/SO | PIC18F2585-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB |
| RAM | 1536 B | 1536 B | 768 B | 768 B | 1536 B | 3328 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| CAN Module | ECAN (CAN 2.0B active) | ECAN | ECAN | ECAN | None (no CAN) | ECAN |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-temperature-grade variant in the 32KB Flash / ECAN sub-family (vs PIC18F258-I/SO)
- Larger Flash than the PIC18F248 sibling (vs PIC18F248-E/SO)
- Includes the on-chip ECAN module that PIC18F252 lacks (vs PIC18F252-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18F258-E/SO operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs (pins 7/8 and 28/27) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pins; add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply rail. Per the PIC18F2x/4x family datasheet (DS39598), noisy supply rails can cause ADC inaccuracies and CAN bit-timing jitter - a clean 5 V is critical for reliable ECAN at 1 Mbps.
The PIC18F258 contains the legacy CAN peripheral, not the newer ECAN module found on PIC18F2580/2585 families. Firmware written for PIC18F2580/2585 will NOT port directly: register layouts, acceptance filter count, and buffer organization differ. When migrating from the PIC18F258, re-validate the CAN stack and acceptance masks against the PIC18F248/258/448/458 datasheet (DS39598). Cross-check pin 25 (CANTX) and pin 26 (CANRX) against the chosen transceiver's TXD/RXD polarity.
Route the CAN differential pair (CANTX pin 25 to CANRX pin 26, then to the external transceiver) as a matched-impedance differential pair with 120 ohm characteristic impedance, kept short and routed away from switching nodes. Add a 120 ohm termination resistor at each end of the bus. Ground the transceiver's GND pin with a short, direct trace. The MCU oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2 pins 9-10) must be kept short and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI susceptibility on the CAN bus.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive designs migrate to PIC18F2580-Q1 or dsPIC33F automotive variants.
